Chapter 9:

Elyse remained silent, offering no response to Lanny. "Mr. Owen," Lanny said, his voice betraying his fear of Jayden, "I've given you my daughter in marriage. Surely, you owe me some gratitude." He felt entitled to benefits as her father.

Elyse, shocked, looked up at him in disbelief. She was astounded by his brazen request for favors from Jayden in front of everyone. Glenda, driven by her own greed, supported him. "Yes, Mr. Owen," she said. "Elyse is our precious daughter. We can't simply give her to you for nothing."

"Precious?" Jayden's smile widened, increasing Elyse's discomfort. "Wasn't she locked in the basement?" he asked. "That's enough," Elyse interjected. "In your eyes, I'm merely an object. You have no concern for my well-being. You're only trying to recoup your losses."

"I raised you!" Lanny exclaimed, his shamelessness unabated even after his true motives were revealed. "Is it wrong to expect some benefit from your marriage? How can you take his side?"

Jayden gently patted Elyse's arm, comforting her embarrassment and outrage. "Of course, I can offer something," he said calmly. An assistant stepped forward with a briefcase and laid out five contracts for large-scale projects before Lanny.

"These are substantial projects, each with anticipated profits in the tens of millions," Jayden explained. "Consider them your compensation. If they're acceptable, please sign them."

Lanny's hand trembled as he held the documents. He owned only a small company and had never dreamed of collaborating with the prestigious Owen family. Five lucrative contracts lay before him, promising immense wealth.

He quickly scanned the contracts and, with a joyful expression, signed his name. "There's no problem," he said. "I trust you, Mr. Owen."

After both parties signed, each took a copy. "Now that I have my compensation," Lanny said, "can Elyse go with me?"

[The ellipsis at the end suggests further text; it's fine as is.]